A multi-state coalition led by California and the District of Columbia has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the Trump administration unlawfully withholds more than $2 billion in congressionally obligated funding for two federal EV charging programs.

The suit argues the pause, and the broader freeze on disbursements, violates the separation of powers and harms emissions reduction, clean transportation access, and green job creation, as well as delaying ongoing charging projects.

Plaintiffs say there was no public explanation for suspending the grants and that inquiries from awardees were met with delays or silence.

The complaint notes the lack of transparency surrounding the funding pause and accuses the administration of impounding funds without justification.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta accuses the administration of stalling climate and air-quality progress and cites ongoing AP coverage; no immediate comment from Transportation Department officials was reported.

Bonta contends the funding was lawfully directed by Congress and that delaying it undermines emissions-reduction goals and the expansion of clean vehicle access.

Weiser criticized the president, arguing that the administration must be held accountable and that legal remedies are needed to restore funding.

Governor Gavin Newsom frames the case as defending the Constitution and pressing for a future with clean energy jobs and reduced pollution.

Weiser’s office notes that previously awarded Colorado funds, including roughly $9 million for CSU hydrogen fueling, have not been distributed due to the freeze, jeopardizing projects.

Colorado has reportedly secured over $1 billion in federal funds through litigation, underscoring the impact on public health and critical infrastructure funding.

Plaintiffs characterize the pause as impoundment and argue it violates the statutory framework governing federal funding.

The suit asserts that withholding funds will worsen air quality, slow climate progress, hinder innovation, and deprive communities of clean, affordable transportation.